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Service of Holy Oil

The Service of Holy Oil (Anointing)

Sung By Seven Priests

Assembled In A Church Or In A Home

The Office of Holy Oil must be celebrated either in the church, if the

one who is sick is able to leave his/her sickbed, or, if unable to leave

the sickbed, apart from the church, in the place where the sick one

may be. The one who is sick must be prepared before the Anointing by

Holy Repentance (Confession). If the sick one be critically ill, then he

or she also must be communed of the Holy Mysteries.

A small table is prepared, and on this is placed the Holy Gospel and

a bowl of wheat, and on the wheat an empty shrine lamp, and around

it in the wheat seven wands wrapped with cotton for the anointing;

and lit tapers are given to all the Priests, who are standing around

the table vested in Epitrachelia and Phelonia.

A shrine lamp is a special lamp that hangs in the Altar. Customarily,

a small cruet is used instead, into which will be poured the oil (and

water; or wine-see special note later), which is placed nearby. (A

Cross is usually placed on the table, as well.)

The First Priest takes the censer with incense and censes around the

table of the Holy Oil, and all the church (or the house) and the

people; and, standing before the table, looking towards the east, he

begins:

Service of Holy Oil

Priest 1: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever and unto ages of

ages.

The reader stands in the middle of the nave, behind the priests or at

the reader’s stand.

Reader: Amen. Glory to Thee, O God, Glory to Thee!

O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who

art everywhere and fillest all things; Treasury of blessings

and Giver of Life; come and abide in us, and cleanse us

from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on

us. (3x)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us

from our sins; Master, pardon our transgressions; Holy

One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name‟s sake.

Lord have mercy. (3x)



Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in

heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us

our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into

temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

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Priest: For Thine are the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, of

the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and

ever and unto ages of ages.

Reader: Amen. Lord have mercy. (12x)



Come, let us worship God our King! Come, let us worship

and fall down before Christ our King and our God! Come,

let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our

King and our God.

The reader continues immediately with the psalms.

Psalm 142 (143)

Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my supplications! In thy

faithfulness answer me, in thy righteousness! Enter not into judgment

with thy servant; for no man living is righteous before thee. For the

enemy has pursued me; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has

made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore my spirit

faints within me; my heart within me is appalled. I remember the days

of old, I meditate on all that thou hast done; I muse on what thy hands

have wrought. I stretch out my hands to thee; my soul thirsts for thee

like a parched land. Make haste to answer me, O LORD! My spirit

fails! Hide not thy face from me, lest I be like those who go down to

the Pit. Let me hear in the morning of thy steadfast love, for in thee I

put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to thee I lift up my

soul. Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies! I have fled to thee for

refuge! Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God! Let thy good

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spirit lead me on a level path! For thy name‟s sake, O LORD,

preserve my life!

In thy righteousness bring me out of trouble! And in thy steadfast

love cut off my enemies, and destroy all my adversaries, for I am thy

servant.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (3x)

The Little Litany:

Deacon: Again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by

Thy grace.


Deacon: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed

and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with

all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and

all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Deacon: For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship: to the

Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever,

and unto the ages of ages.

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Choir: Amen.

And immediately they sing Alleluia in Tone 6:

Alleluia

Deacon: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Choir: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Deacon: O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, neither chasten me in

Thy wrath. (6:2)


Deacon: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak. (6:3)


Then they sing the Troparia, TONE 6:

Troparia

Choir: O Lord, have mercy on us, have mercy on us, for laying

aside all excuse, we sinners offer to Thee, as to our Master

this supplication: have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O Lord, have mercy on us, for in Thee have we put our

trust. Do not be angry with us, nor remember our iniquities,

but look down on us even now, as Thou art compassionate,

and deliver us from our enemies; for Thou art our God, and

we are Thy people; we are all the work of Thy hands, and

we call on Thy name.

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Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O blessed Theotokos, open the doors of compassion to us

whose hope is in thee, that we may not perish, but be

delivered from adversity through thee. For thou art the

salvation of the Christian people.

Psalm 50 (51)

Reader: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy steadfast

love; according to Thy abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against

Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in Thy

sight, so that Thou art justified in Thy sentence and blameless in Thy

judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sins did my

mother conceive me. Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward being;

therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop,

and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Fill

me with joy and gladness; let the bones which Thou hast broken

rejoice. Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit

within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy

holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and

uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Thy

ways, and sinners will return to Thee. Deliver me from

bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation, and my tongue

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will sing aloud of Thy deliverance. O Lord, open Thou my lips, and

my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. For Thou hast no delight in

sacrifice; were I to give a burnt offering, Thou wouldst not be

pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken

and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Do good to Zion in

Thy good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, then wilt Thou

delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt

offerings; then bulls will be offered on Thy altar.

And the Canon, of which the acrostic is: “The Prayer of the Oil, a

Song of Arsenius”, TONE 4

The Canon

Ode I

Choir: When Israel crossed the depths of the Red Sea with dry

steps by the crosswise stretching forth of Moses‟ hands, they

defeated the forces of Amalek in the wilderness.

O Merciful Lord, have mercy and heal Thy suffering

servant.

The Irmosi and the Refrains are sung, as usual, while it is customary

for the clergy to read the troparia of each Ode.

Clergy: O Master Who ever comforts the souls and bodies of man

with the oil of loving-kindness, and Who preserves the

faithful with oil: Do Thou Thyself now show compassion

through the Oil to them that draw near unto Thee.

Choir: O Merciful Lord, have mercy and heal Thy suffering

servant.

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Clergy: The whole earth is filled with Thy mercy, O Master.

Therefore, we who are anointed today with Thy precious

and divine Oil entreat Thee with faith, that Thy mercy

beyond understanding be granted to us.

Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Clergy: O Lover of Mankind, Who mercifully didst command Thine

Apostles to minister Thy priestly anointing on Thine ailing

servants: Through their prayers have mercy on all by Thy

seal.

Choir: Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Clergy: O only Pure One, who didst give birth to the fathomless

Abyss of Peace: By thine unceasing prayers unto God

deliver thy servant from afflictions and sorrows, that he

(she) may unceasingly magnify thee.

Katavasia

Sung after each Ode-from the Trebnik (Book of Needs) of Met. Peter Mogila:

Choir: O Christ plenteous in mercy: raise up Thy servant (N.)

___________________ from sickness, for with fervor we

make haste unto Thee, the merciful Redeemer, the Master of

All, the Lord Jesus.

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Ode III

Irmos

Choir: The Church rejoices in Thee, O Christ, and cries out : Thou

art my strength, O Lord, my refuge and my confirmation.


servant.

Clergy: Do Thou, O Christ, Who alone art wondrous and merciful

unto faithful men, grant from on high Thy grace unto him

(her) that suffers grievously.


servant.

Clergy: O Lord, Who of old, for Thy divine token that the flood had

abated didst show forth an olive branch: Through mercy

save him (her) that is suffering.


Clergy: With the lamp of divine light, in Thy mercy enlighten

through the anointing he (she) who now, through faith,

makes haste to Thy mercy.

Choir: Now and Ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Clergy: Look down favorably from on high, O Mother of the Creator

of All, and, by thy prayers, release from bitter pain him

(her) that is afflicted.

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Katavasia





Kathisma Hymn, TONE 8.

Special Melody: „The pastoral reed... “

Choir: As Thou art a divine river of mercy, a depth of abundant

loving kindness, O Compassionate One, make manifest the

divine streams of Thy mercy and heal all. Pour forth

abundantly fountains of miracles, and wash all. For ever

making haste unto Thee, we fervently entreat Thy grace.

Another, TONE 4. Special Melody: O Thou that wast lifted up...

Choir: O Physician and Helper fo them that are in sufferings, O

Redeemer and Savior of them that are in afflictions: Do

Thou Thyself, O Master and Lord grant healing unto Thine

afflicted servant; show compassion, have mercy on him (her)

who has grievously sinned, and deliver him (her), O Christ,

from his (her) iniquities, that he (she) may glorify Thy

divine Power.

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Ode IV

Irmos

Choir: On seeing Thee, the Sun of righteousness uplifted on the

Cross, the Church in its stateliness rightly cries aloud: glory,

O Lord, to Thy power.


servant.

Clergy: O Savior, as Thou art the Incorrupt Myrrh that, through Thy

grace, dost pour out and cleanse the world, be

compassionate and merciful, in a manner befitting God, unto

him that, in faith, anoints the sores of the body.


servant.

Clergy: With the tranquility of Thy mercy‟s seal, O Master, sign

now the senses of Thy servants, and make impassible and

inaccessible the entrance of all adverse powers.


Clergy: Do Thou, O Lover of Mankind, Who hast commanded the

ailing to summon Thy divine Priestly Ministers, and to be

saved by their prayers and the anointing of Thy Oil save, by

Thy mercy, him (her) that suffers.


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Clergy: O Most-holy, Ever-Virgin Theotokos, Mighty Shelter and

Fortress, Refuge and Rampart, Ladder and Bulwark: Have

mercy and compassion on him (her) that is afflicted. For

unto thee alone has he (she) fled for refuge.

Katavasia





Ode V

Irmos

Choir: As a light, O Lord, Thou hast come into the world, a holy

light, which turns from the darkness of ignorance, those who

with faith sing praises to Thee.


servant.

Clergy: Good One Who art an abyss of mercy: Through Thy divine

mercy, Merciful One, be merciful unto him (her) that

suffers, as Thou art deeply-compassionate.


servant.

Clergy: O Christ, Who, in manner ineffable, hast sanctified our souls

and bodies from on high by the divine impression of Thy

seal: Heal us all by Thy hand.

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Clergy: O Most-good Lord, by Thine ineffable love Thou didst

accept the anointing with myrrh from the harlot: Have

compassion on Thy servant.


Clergy: O All-hymned, Pure, and Most-good Sovereign Lady, have

mercy upon them that are anointed with the divine Oil, and

save thy servant.

Katavasia





Ode VI

Irmos

Choir: “I will sacrifice to Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord,” the

Church cries out to Thee having been cleansed by the blood

of demons by the blood, which mercif‟ly flows from Thy

side.


servant.

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Clergy: O Lover of Mankind, Who shows by Thy words that

anointing with Oil is for kings, and this is performed by high

priests: Do Thou save also by Thy seal him (her) that

suffers, as Thou art deeply compassionate.


servant.

Clergy: Let no interfering act of bitter demons touch the senses of

him (her) who is signed by divine Anointing, O Savior. But

surround him (her) with the shelter of Thy glory.


Clergy: Stretch forth Thy hand from on high, O Lover of Mankind,

and having sanctified Thine Oil, O Savior, grant it to Thy

servant for health and deliverance from every sickness.


Clergy: Thou hast appeared as a fruitful olive tree in thy divine

temple, O Mother of the Creator, through which the world is

shown full of mercy. Therefore, by thy touching through

prayers, save him (her) that is suffering.

Katavasia





Service of Holy Oil

Kontakion

TONE 2 Special Melody: “Seeking the things from above...”

Choir: As Thou art the exceedingly-good Fountain of mercy, do

Thou deliver from every calamity them that with fervent

faith fall down before Thine ineffable mercy, O deeply-

compassionate One. And taking away their infirmities, do

Thou grant unto them Thy divine grace from on high.

Ode VII

Irmos

Choir: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace were

burning with the love of godliness instead of the flame!

They cried out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the temple of

Thy glory!


servant.

Clergy: O Thou Who alone art God, O Savior, Who in Thy mercy

and compassions heals the spiritual sufferings and bodily

wounds of all: Be Thou Physician for this person that suffers

in afflictions, and Thyself heal him (her).


servant.

Clergy: When the heads of all are anointed with the Oil of

Anointing, so give this one joy of gladness, granting him

(her) that seeks the mercy of Thy deliverance, O Christ,

through the richness of Thy mercy, O Lord.

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Clergy: Thy seal is a sword against demons, O Savior, and the

prayers of Priests are a fire that burns passions of the soul.

Therefore, we who are receiving healing faithfully sing Thy

praises.


Clergy: O Thou, the Mother of God, who didst receive in thy womb

in a manner befitting God Him that holds all things in the

hollow of His hand, and didst give flesh to Him ineffably:

Have mercy on him (her) that is suffering, we beseech thee.

Katavasia





Ode VIII

Irmos

Choir: Daniel stopped the mouths of the lions in the den; and the

holy children, zealous in godliness, quenched the raging fire

by girding themselves with virtue and crying out: All you

works of the Lord, bless the Lord!


servant.

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Clergy: Have mercy on all, O Savior, according to Thy great and

divine mercy. For this cause we all have gathered together,

mystically representing the condescension of Thy

compassions, in faith bearing the Anointing with Oil to Thy

servant, whom also do Thou visit.


servant.

Clergy: With the streams of Thy mercies, O Christ, and by the

anointing of Thy Priests, as Thou art deeply-compassionate,

O Lord, wash away the pains and wounds, and the

onslaughts of afflictions of him (her) that is tormented by

the violence of sufferings, that he (she) being saved may

glorify Thee with thanksgiving.


Clergy: As the sign of condescension and tranquility from on high

has been drawn on us through Thy divine mercy, O Master,

withdraw not Thy mercy, neither reject him (her) that ever

cries out in faith: “Bless the Lord, all you works of the

Lord”.


Clergy: Nature accepted, as a most-glorious crown, thy divine

birthgiving, O Pure One, which crushed the hosts of the

enemies, and vanquished them with might. Therefore,

crowned with festal brightness by thy grace, we hymn thee,

O most-lauded Sovereign Lady.

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Katavasia





Ode IX

Irmos

Choir: A stone, cut without hands from an unhewn mountain, was

cut from you, O Virgin. Even Christ the cornerstone who

joined the sep‟rate natures. Therefore, in joy, we magnify

you, O Theotokos.


servant.

Clergy: Look down from Heaven, O Compassionate One, and show

forth Thy mercy to all. And bestow now Thy help and

strength to him (her) that approaches Thee, through the

divine Anointing of Thy Priests, O Lover of Mankind.


servant.

Clergy: With rejoicing, we have seen the Divine Oil, O Most-good

Savior, which by Thy divine condescension Thou hast

accepted, beyond the merits of them that are recipients, and

which Thou hast symbolically imparted unto those who

have participated in the divine font.

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Clergy: Be Thou compassionate and have mercy, O Savior, deliver

from dangers and afflictions, rescue from the arrows of the

evil one the souls and bodies of Thy servants, as Thou art a

merciful Lord, Who healest by divine Anointing.


Clergy: Accept the hymns and prayers of thy servants, O Virgin,

and, through thy prayers deliver from cruel passions and

affliction us who make haste to thy protection, O Most-pure

One.

Katavasia





And immediately, the choir sings “It is Truly Meet...”

Choir: It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, ever blessed and

most pure and the Mother of our God, more honorable than

the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the

Seraphim. Without corruption thou gavest birth to God the

Word. True Theotokos, we magnify Thee.

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Exapostilarion

Special Melody: “He has visited us... “ or Tone 3

Choir: In mercy O Good One, with Thine eyes look down upon the

supplication of us who today have come together in Thy

holy temple to anoint with Divine Oil Thine afflicted

servant.

Praises (tone 4)

Choir: Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the

Lord from the heavens! Praise Him in the highest! To Thee,

O God, is due a song. Praise Him all you angels of His!

Praise Him all His hosts! To Thee, O God, is due a song!

Reader: Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and

harp!

TONE 4 - Special Melody: “Thou hast given as a Sign”

Choir: Thou hast given Thy grace through thine Apostles, O Lover

of Mankind, who art easy to be entreated, to heal the wounds

and sicknesses of all men through Thy Holy Oil. Therefore,

as Thou art deeply compassionate, have mercy upon him

(her) who now draws near in faith to Thine Oil, cleanse him

(her) from all sickness, and count him (her) worthy of Thine

incorruptible food, O Lord.

Reader: Praise Him with timbrel and dance, praise Him with strings

and pipe!

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Choir: O Incomprehensible One Who art deeply compassionate, O

Lover of Mankind, Who with Thine invisible hand sealest

our senses with Thy Divine Oil: Look down from Heaven,

and give unto him (her) that faithfully makes haste unto

Thee, and entreats remission of transgressions and healing of

soul and body, that, with love, he (she) may glorify Thee,

magnifying Thy dominion.

Reader: Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud

clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes praise the

Lord! Praise the Lord!

Choir: Through the anointing with thine Oil, and the touch of Thy

priests, O lover of Mankind, sanctify Thy servant from on

high. Free him (her) from sicknesses and cleanse him (her)

from spiritual defilement. Wash him (her), O Savior, and

deliver him (her) from greatly-entangling temptations.

Assuage his (her) afflictions, banish all obstacles, and

resolve his (her) sorrows, as Thou art compassionate and

greatly merciful.

Reader: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion

Choir: O Most-Pure Palace of the King, O greatly-extolled One,

Purify my mind defiled by every sin, I entreat thee, and

make it a fair abode of the Most Divine Trinity, that being

saved, I, thine unprofitable servant may magnify thy power

and boundless mercy.

Then, the Trisagion:

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Reader: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

(3x)



O Most Holy Trinity have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us

from our sins; Master, pardon our transgressions; Holy One,

visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name‟s sake.

Lord have mercy. (3x)



Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy

Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in

heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our

debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into


Priest: For Thine are the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, of

the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and

ever and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Troparion in Tone 4

Choir: Thou Who alone art quick to help, O Christ, make manifest

Thy speedy visitation from on high unto Thy suff‟ring

servant. Deliver him (her) from sicknesses and bitter pain,

and raise him (her) up, that he (she) may sing praises unto

Thee and, without ceasing, glorify Thee, through the prayers

of the Theotokos, O only Lover of Mankind.

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And after these things, the Deacon (or the Priest 1) says this Litany:

Litany Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (after each petition)

Deacon: For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls,

let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy

churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the

Lord.

For this holy house and for those who enter with faith,

reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

That this Oil may be blessed by the power, operation, and

descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

For the servant of God, N., and for the visitation of God

upon him (her), and that the grace of the Holy Spirit may

come upon him (her), let us pray to the Lord.

That he (she) and we may be delivered from all affliction,

wrath and distress, let us pray to the Lord.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by

Thy grace.

Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed

and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with

all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and

all our life unto Christ our God.

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Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Then the First Priest says the Prayer of the Oil over the shrine-lamp

as he pours oil and water into the empty vessel. (Let it be known that

in the Great Church (Constantinople) they pour wine instead of water

into the shrine-lamp of oil-sanctification.)

Prayer of the Oil

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.


Priest 1: O Lord Who, through Thy mercies and compassions, healest

the disorders of our souls and bodies: Do Thou Thyself, O

Master, sanctify this Oil, that it may be effectual unto them

that are anointed with it for healing, and for the relief of

every passion, of defilement of flesh and spirit, and of every

ill; and that thereby may be glorified Thy most-holy Name:

of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now

and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

And the other Priests likewise read this Prayer quietly with him. And

while the Prayer is being said by the Priests, the Choir sings these

Troparia (In practice, the Troparia are sung after the Prayer of the

Oil):

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Troparia

Troparion to Christ in Tone 4

Choir: With my spiritual eyes blind I come unto Thee, O Christ, as

did the man blind from his birth, in repentance I cry out to

Thee: have mercy on us, O Thou Who alone workest a good

change.

Troparion to Christ in tone 3

Choir: By Thy divine help, O Lord, raise up my soul cruelly

paralyzed by all manner of sins and unseemly deeds, as of

old Thou didst raise up the paralytic, that I who am being

saved may cry out to Thee: O Compassionate Christ, grant

healing unto me.

Troparion to Apostle James in Tone 2

Choir: As a disciple of the Lord, O venerable One, thou didst

receive the Gospel. As a Martyr thou didst possess that

which is unwritten. As the brother of God thou hast

boldness. AS a hierarch thou hast power in prayer. Beseech

Christ God that he will save our souls.

Kontakion to Apostle James in Tone 4

Choir: The Only Begotten Word of God the Father Who in these

latter days hast come to us, O divine James, revealed thee as

the first shepherd and teacher to them that dwelt in

Jerusalem, and a faithful steward of spiritual mysteries.

Therefore we honor thee, O Apostle.

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Kontakion to St. Nicholas of Myra in Tone 3

Choir: Thou wast revealed as a minister of the Holy Mysteries to

the people of Myra, O Saint. For fulfilling the Gospel of

Christ, O Venerable One, thou didst lay down thy soul for

thy people, and thou didst save the innocent from death. For

this thou hast been sanctified as a great mystic of the grace

of God.

Troparion to the Great-Martyr Demetrius,

the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica, in Tone 3

Choir: The world has found in thee a great champion, O Passion

bearer. Who defeated the pagans. For as thou didst cast

down the pride of Lyaeus, and didst encourage Nestor in his

struggle, in like manner entreat Christ God, O Holy

Demetrius, that He grant us great mercy.

Troparion to the Great-Martyr and Healer Panteleimon in Tone

3

Choir: O Holy Passionbearer and healer Panteleimon, entreat the

merciful God, that He grant remission of transgressions to

our souls. O Holy Unmercinaries and Wonderworkers, visit

our infirmities. Freely you have received, freely give unto

us.

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Troparion to the Martyrs, Unmercenaries and Healers, in Tone 8

Choir: O Holy Unmercinaries and Wonderworkers, visit our

infirmities. Freely you have received, freely give unto us.

Kontakion to the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian in

Tone 2

Choir: Who can proclaim thy majesty, O Chaste One? For thou

spillest out miracles and pourest out healings; and thou art

praying for our souls as the Theologian and friend of Christ.



Theotokion

Choir: O fervent intercession and impregnable Wall, O Fountain of

Mercy, O Refuge of the world. We cry out unto thee: go

before in anticipation, O Theotokos Sovereign Lady, and

deliver us from misfortunes, O thou who alone art a speedy

intercessor.

The First Anointing

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest 1: Peace be unto all.

Reader: And to thy spirit.

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Prokeimenon, Tone 1

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Prokeimenon in the First Tone: Let Thy mercy, O Lord,

be upon us, as we have set our hope on Thee. (32:22)

Choir: Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have set our hope

on Thee.

Reader: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous; praise befits the

upright. (32: 1)

Choir: Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have set our hope

on Thee.

Reader: Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us.

Choir: As we have set our hope on Thee.

The Epistle

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading from the Catholic Epistle of James.


The Catholic Epistle of James (Pericope 57-James 5:10-16):

Reader: Brethren, take the prophets, who have spoken in the name of

the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of

patience. Behold, we count them happy who endure. You

have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the purpose

of the Lord, that the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by

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Heaven, neither by earth, nor by any other oath; but let your

“Yea” be yea, and your “Nay” be nay, lest you fall into

condemnation. Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is

any cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you?

Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray

over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord

shall raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they shall

be forgiven him. Confess your sins one to another, and pray

for one another, that you may be healed. For the effectual

prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Priest 1: Peace be unto thee.


Reader: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Choir: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Reader: Of mercy and judgment will I sing unto Thee, O Lord.

(100:1)


The Gospel

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us attend. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.


Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest 1: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.


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The Gospel according to Luke (Pericope 53-Luke 10:25-37):

Priest 1: At that time a certain lawyer approached Jesus, and tested

Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal

life?” And He said unto him, “What is written in the law?

How readest thou?” And he answering said, “‟Thou shalt

love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy

soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and

thy neighbor as thyself.” And He said unto him, „Thou hast

answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” But he, wanting

to justify himself, said unto Jesus, “And who is my

neighbor?” And answering, Jesus said, “A certain man went

down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves,

who stripped him of his raiment and wounded him and

departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came

down a certain priest that way. And when he saw him, he

passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he

was at the place, came and looked and passed by on the

other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to

where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion,

and went and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and

wine; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to

an inn and took care of him. And on the next day when he

departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host

and said unto him, “Take care of him; and whatsoever thou

spendest more, when I come again I will repay thee‟. Which

now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him

that fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He that showed

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mercy on him.” Then said Jesus unto him, “Go and do thou

likewise.”

Choir: Glory to Thee, O our God, glory to Thee.

The Litany

Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great goodness,

we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (thrice, after each petition)

Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and

forgiveness of sins for the servant of God, N..

Deacon: That he (she) may be pardoned all his (her) sins, both

voluntary and involuntary, let us pray to the Lord.

Priest 1: For Thou art a merciful God, and the Lover of Mankind, and

unto Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the

Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages

of ages.

Choir: Amen.



The Prayer

Priest 1: O Thou Who art without beginning, eternal, and the Holy

of Holies, Who didst send down Thine Only-begotten Son to heal

every infirmity and every wound of our souls and bodies: Do Thou

send down Thy Holy Spirit and sanctify this Oil; and cause it to be for

Thy servant, N., who is to be anointed, perfect deliverance from his

(her) sins, and for the inheritance of the Heavenly Kingdom.

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Let is be known that some say this Prayer only this far, with the

exclamation, For Thine it is to have mercy... But others say it to the

end. The second part of this Prayer is omitted only for a good reason,

such as if the sick one about to lose consciousness. Otherwise, it must

be said.

For Thou art a great and wondrous God, Who keepest Thy covenant

and Thy mercy unto them that love Thee, granting deliverance from

sins through Thy Holy Child, Jesus Christ, Who regenerateth us from

sin, enlighteneth the blind, setteth aright them that are cast down,

loveth the righteous, and is merciful to sinners, Who bringeth us forth

again out of darkness and the shadow of death, saying unto them that

are in bondage, “Come forth,” and unto them that are in darkness,

“Be unveiled”. (For He shone in our hearts the light of the knowledge

of His countenance when, for our sakes, He revealed Himself on earth

and dwelt among men. And unto them that accepted Thee, He gave

the power to become children of God; and He has granted us sonship

through the font of regeneration, causing us to have no part in the

dominion of the devil.) For Thou wast not pleased that we should be

cleansed through blood, but hast given, through holy Oil, an image of

His Cross, that we may be a flock of Christ, a royal Priesthood, a holy

nation, cleansing us by water, and sanctifying us by Thy Holy Spirit.

Do Thou Thyself, O Master and Lord, grant grace unto us in this Thy

ministry, as Thou didst give unto Moses, Thy servant, unto Samuel,

Thy beloved, and unto John, Thine elect, and unto all who in every

generation have been acceptable unto Thee. And so make us to be

ministers of Thy new testament upon this Oil, which Thou hast made

Thine own through the precious Blood of Thy Christ, that, putting

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away worldly lusts, we may die unto sin and live unto righteousness,

that we may be clothed in Him through the anointing of sanctification

of the Oil which we are about to apply. Let this Oil, O Lord, be the

Oil of gladness, the Oil of sanctification, a royal garment, the

breastplate of power, the averting of every diabolical action, the seal

against snares, the joy of the heart, and eternal gladness, that they

who are anointed with this Oil of regeneration may be terrible to

adversaries and may shine in the brightness of Thy Saints, having

neither spot nor blemish. And may they attain unto Thine eternal rest,

and receive the prize of their high calling. For Thine it is to have

mercy and to save us, O our God, and unto The do we Send up glory,

together with Thine Only-begotten Son, and Thy Most-holy, Good,

and Life Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Anointing

And after the Prayer, the First Priest takes one of the wands and,

dipping it in the Holy Oil, anoints the sick person in crosswise

manner, on the forehead, the nostrils, the cheeks, the lips, the breast,

and on both sides of the hands, saying this Prayer:

Priest 1: O Holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, Who didst

send Thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who healeth

every infirmity and delivereth from death: Do Thou heal Thy servant,

N., of the bodily and spiritual infirmities which possess him (her), and

enliven him (her) through the grace of Thy Christ: Through the

prayers of our Most-holy Sovereign Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-

Virgin Mary; by the protection of the honorable and bodiless powers

of Heaven; by the power of the precious and lifegiving Cross; through

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the honorable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John; of

the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles; of the holy, glorious and

right-victorious martyrs; of our venerable and God-bearing Fathers;

of the holy and unmercenary Physicians, Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus

and John, Panteleimon and Hermalaeus, Sampson and Diomedes,

Photius and Anicetus; of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God

Joachim and Anna, and of all the Saints. For Thou art the Fountain of

healing, O our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with

Thine Only-begotten Son, and Thy Spirit, One in Essence, now and

ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Second Anointing




Prokeimenon

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Prokeimenon in the 2nd Tone: The Lord is my Strength

and my song, He has become my Salvation. (117: 14)

Choir: The Lord is my Strength and my song; He has become my

Salvation.

Reader: The Lord has chastened me sorely, but He has not given me

over unto death. (117: 18)

Choir: The Lord is my Strength and my song; He has become my

Salvation.

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Reader: The Lord is my Strength and my song;

Choir: He has become my Salvation.

The Epistle

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading from the Epistle of the holy apostle Paul to the

Romans.


The Epistle to the Romans (Pericope 116-Romans 15:1-7):

Reader: Brethren: We then that are strong ought to bear the

infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let

every one of you please his neighbor for his good, for

building up. For even Christ pleased not Himself, but as it is

written: “The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell

on Me.” For whatsoever things were written before, were

written for our instruction, that we through patience and

comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now the God of

patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one

toward another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with

one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our

Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore receive one another as Christ

also received you to the glory of God.



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Reader: Of Thy mercies, O Lord, will I sing for ever. (88:2)


The Gospel




Priest 2: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke.



The Gospel according to Luke (Pericope 94-Luke 19:1-10):

Priest 2: At that time Jesus entered Jericho. And behold, there was a

man named Zacchaeus who was the chief among the

publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus, who

He was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was

short in stature. And he ran ahead and climbed up into a

sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass that way. And

when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him,

and said unto him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down,

for today I must abide at thy house.” And he made haste and

came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw

it, they all murmured, saying that He had gone to be the

guest of a man who was a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood and

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said unto the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I

give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man

by false accusation, I restore to him fourfold.” And Jesus

said unto him, “This day is salvation come to this house, for

so much as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man

is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”


The Litany








Priest 2: For Thou art a merciful God, and the Lover of Mankind,

and unto Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the


of ages.

Choir: Amen.



The Prayer

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Priest 2: O God, Great and Most-high, Who art worshiped by all

creation, Fountain of Wisdom, and, in truth, unfathomable Abyss of

Goodness and boundless Sea of Compassion: Do Thou Thyself, O

Master, Lover of Mankind, God of things eternal and wonderful,

Whom no man contemplating is able to comprehend, look upon us,

and hearken unto us, Thine unworthy servants, and wherever in Thy

great Name we bring this Oil, do Thou send down Thy gift of healing

and remission of sins, and heal him (her)according to the multitude of

Thy mercies. Yea, O Lord Who art easy to be entreated, Who alone

art merciful and the Lover of Mankind, Who repentest concerning our

evil deeds; Who knowest that the thoughts of man incline unto evil

from his youth; Who desirest not the death of a sinner, but that he

should return and live, Who for the sake of us sinners, being God,

wast incarnate, and for Thy creature wast Thyself fashioned. Thou art

He that hast said: “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to

repentance”; Thou art He that didst seek the lost sheep; Thou art He

that didst diligently seek the lost coin, and found it; Thou art He that

hast said, “He that comes unto Me, I will not cast out”; Thou art He

that did not despise the Harlot who watered Thy precious feet with

tears; Thou art He that hast said, “As often as thou fallest, arise, and

be saved”; Thou art He that hast said, “There is joy in Heaven over

one sinner that repents”. Do Thou Thyself, O deeply-compassionate

Master, look down from the height of Thy sanctuary, overshadowing

us, Thy sinful and unworthy servants, at this hour, with the grace of

Thy Holy Spirit, and abide in Thy servant, N., who acknowledges his

(her) iniquities, and draws near unto Thee in faith. And, accepting

him (her) in Thine own love for mankind, forgiving him (her) in

whatever he (she) has sinned, whether by word, or by deed, or

thought, do Thou cleanse him (her), and make him (her) pure from

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every sin. And, being ever present with him (her), preserve him (her)

all the remaining years of his (her) life, that, walking according to

Thy statutes, he (she) may never become an object of mockery to the

devil; and that, in him (her), Thy most-holy Name may be glorified.

For it is Thine to have mercy and to save us, O Christ God, and unto

The do we send up glory, together with Thine Only-begotten Son, and

Thy Most-holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and

unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Anointing

And after the Prayer, the Second Priest takes one of the wands and,

















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The Third Anointing




Prokeimenon

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Prokeimenon in the 3rd Tone: The Lord is my Light and

my Savior; whom shall I fear? (26: 1)

Choir: The Lord is my Light and my Savior; whom shall I fear?

Reader: The Lord is the Defender of my life; of whom, then, shall I

be afraid? (26: 1)

Choir: The Lord is my Light and my Savior; whom shall I fear?

Reader: The Lord is my Light and my Savior;

Choir: Whom shall I fear?

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The Epistle

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading from the First Epistle of the holy apostle Paul

to the Corinthians.


The First Epistle to the Corinthians (Pericope 153-1 Cor. 12:27-

13:8):

Reader: Brethren: You are the body of Christ, and members in

particular. And God has set some in the Church: first

apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles,

then gifts of healings, helpful deeds, administrations,

various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets?

Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers? Do all have gifts

of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But

strive for the best gifts; and yet I show unto you a more

excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and

of angels, but have not love, I become as sounding brass or a

clashing cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy,

and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though

I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, but have

not love, I am nothing. And though I distribute all my

goods, and though I give my body to be burned, but have

not love, it profits me nothing. Love is long-suffering, and is

kind; love envies not; love exalts not itself, is not boastful;

does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own way, is

not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in

unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; loves all things,

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believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love

never fails.





Reader: In Thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me never be put to

shame. (30:2)


The Gospel




Priest 3: The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint

Matthew.



The Gospel according to Matthew (Pericope 34 from St. Matt. 10:1,5-

8):

Priest 3: At that time, when Jesus had called unto Him His twelve

disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits to cast

them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner

of disease. These twelve Jesus sent forth and commanded

them, saying, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into

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any city of the Samaritans enter not. But go rather to the lost

sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying,

„The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand‟. Heal the sick, cleanse

the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. Freely you have

received; freely give.”


The Litany











of ages.

Choir: Amen.



The Prayer

Priest 3: O Master Almighty, Holy King, Who chastenest and

killest not; Who supportest them that are falling and raisest up them

that are cast down; Who settest aright the bodily afflictions of men:

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We entreat Thee, O our God, that Thou wilt send down Thy mercy

upon this Oil, and upon them that are anointed with it in Thy Name,

that it may be unto them for the healing of soul and body, and for the

cleansing and transformation of every passion, and of every sickness

and wound, and of every defilement of flesh and spirit. Yea, O Lord,

send down from Heaven Thy healing power; touch the body, quench

the fever, soothe the suffering, and make every weakness to melt

away. Be the Physician of Thy servant, N.; raise him (her) up from

his (her)sickbed, and from his (her) couch of suffering whole and

perfectly restored, granting unto him (her) to be well-pleasing in Thy

Church, and one that works Thy will. For Thine it is to have mercy

and to save us, a our God, and unto The do we send up glory: to the

Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto

the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Anointing






send Thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who

healeth every infirmity and delivereth from death: Do Thou

heal Thy servant, N., of the bodily and spiritual infirmities

which possess him (her), and enliven him (her) through the

grace of Thy Christ: Through the prayers of our Most-holy

Sovereign Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary; by

the protection of the honorable and bodiless powers of

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Heaven; by the power of the precious and lifegiving Cross;

through the honorable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner and

Baptist John; of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles;

of the holy, glorious and right-victorious martyrs; of our

venerable and God-bearing Fathers; of the holy and

unmercenary Physicians, Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus and

John, Panteleimon and Hermalaeus, Sampson and

Diomedes, Photius and Anicetus; of the holy and righteous

Ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and of all the Saints.

For Thou art the Fountain of healing, O our God, and unto

Thee do we send up glory, together with Thine Only-

begotten Son, and Thy Spirit, One in Essence, now and ever,

and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Fourth Anointing




Prokeimenon

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Prokeimenon in the 4th Tone: In the day when I call

upon Thee, answer me speedily. (101:3)

Choir: In the day when I call upon Thee, answer me speedily.

Reader: O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come unto Thee.

(101:2)

Choir: In the day when I call upon Thee, answer me speedily.

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Reader: In the day when I call upon Thee,

Choir: answer me speedily.

The Epistle

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading from the Second Epistle of the holy apostle

Paul to the Corinthians.


The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Pericope 182-2 Cor. 6:16-

7:1):

Reader: Brethren: You are the temple of the living God. As God has

said: “I will dwell in them, and walk in them”; “and I will be

their God, and they shall be My people.” Therefore, “Come

out from among them, and be separate,” says the Lord. “And

touch not the unclean thing, and I will accept you, and will

be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and

daughters,” says the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these

promises, a beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all

filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear

of God.





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Reader: With patience, I waited patiently for the Lord, and He

inclined unto me. (39:2)


The Gospel





Matthew.



The Gospel according to Matthew (Pericope 26-Matt. 8: 14-23):

Priest 4: At that time, when Jesus had come into Peter‟s house, He

saw his mother-in-law lying and sick with a fever. And he

touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she arose and

ministered unto them. When the evening had come, they

brought unto Him many who were possessed with devils,

and He cast out the spirits with His word and healed all who

were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by

Isaiah the prophet, who said, “He Himself took our

infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” Now when Jesus saw

great multitudes about Him, He gave commandment to

depart unto the other side. And a certain scribe came and

said unto Him, “Teacher, I will follow Thee wherever Thou

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goest.” And Jesus said unto him, “The foxes have holes, and

the birds of heaven have nests, but the Son of Man has

nowhere to lay His head.” And another of His disciples said

unto Him, “Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.”

But Jesus said unto him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury

their dead.” And when He had entered into a boat, His

disciples followed Him.


The Litany











of ages.

Choir: Amen.



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The Prayer

Priest 4: O Good Lord and the Lover of Mankind, deeply-

compassionate and greatly-merciful, plentiful in mercy and rich in

good things, O Father of compassions and God of every consolation,

Who hast given us strength through Thy holy Apostles to heal the

sicknesses of the people with oil and prayer: Do Thou Thyself

confirm this Oil for the healing of them that are anointed with it, for

the alleviation of every sickness and every wound, and for

deliverance from evils for them that await salvation from Thee. Yea,

O Master, Lord our God, we beseech Thee, O All-powerful One, to

save us all and to sanctify us, a Thou Who alone art the Physician of

souls and bodies. O Thou that healest every sickness, do Thou heal

Thy servant, N.. Raise him (her) from the bed of suffering through the

mercies of Thy goodness; visit him (her) with Thy mercies and

compassions; cast out of him (her) every sickness and weakness, that,

being raised up by Thy mighty hand, he (she) may serve Thee with all

thanksgiving; and that we who now are sharing in Thine ineffable

love for man, may sing praises and glorify Thee Who doest things

great and wonderful, both glorious and excellent. For Thine it is to

have mercy and to save us, O our God, and unto The do we send up

glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and

ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

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The Anointing

And after the Prayer, the Priest 4 takes one of the wands and, dipping

it in the Holy Oil, anoints the sick person in crosswise manner, on the

forehead, the nostrils, the cheeks, the lips, the breast, and on both

sides of the hands, saying this Prayer:



















The Fifth Anointing




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Prokeimenon

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Prokeimenon in the 5th Tone: Thou, O Lord, shalt

protect us and preserve us from this generation forevermore.

(11:8)

Choir: Thou, O Lord, shalt protect us and preserve us from this

generation forevermore.

Reader: Save me, O Lord, for a righteous man is no more. (11:2)

Choir: Thou, O Lord, shalt protect us and preserve us from this

generation forevermore.

Reader: Thou, O Lord, shalt protect us and preserve us

Choir: from this generation forevermore.

The Epistle

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading from the Second Epistle of the holy apostle

Paul to the Corinthians.


The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Pericope 168-2 Cor. 1:8-11):

Reader: Brethren: We would not have you ignorant of our trouble

which came to us in Asia: that we were pressed beyond

measure, beyond strength, insomuch that we despaired even

of life. But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that

we should not trust in ourselves but in God Who raises the

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dead; Who delivered us from so great a death, and does

deliver us; and in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us.

You also helped by praying together for us, so that for the

gift bestowed upon us by means of many persons, thanks

may be given by many for you.



Reader: In the 5th Tone: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.


Reader: Of Thy mercies, O Lord, will I sing for ever. (88:2)


The Gospel





Matthew.



The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew

(Pericope 104-Matt. 25:1-13):

Priest 5: The Lord said this parable: “The Kingdom of Heaven shall

be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps and went

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forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise,

and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their

lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in

their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried,

they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a

cry, „Behold, the bridegroom comes; go out to meet him‟.

Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And

the foolish said unto the wise, „Give us of your oil, for our

lamps are gone out‟. But the wise answered, saying,

„Perhaps there will not be enough for us and you; but go

rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves‟. And while

they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were

ready went in with him to the marriage, and the door was

shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, „Lord,

Lord, open to us!‟ But he answered and said unto them,

„Verily I say unto you, I know you not‟. Watch therefore,

for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son

of Man comes.”


The Litany



Choir: Lord, have mercy. (thrice, after each petition – see music on

the next page)



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of ages.

Choir: Amen.



The Prayer

Priest 5: O Lord our God, Who chastenest and again healest; Who

raisest the poor from the earth, and liftest up the beggar from the

dunghill; O Father of orphans and Haven of storm tossed, and

Physician of them that are sick; Who didst bear the pain of our

infirmities and didst accept our afflictions; Who showest mercy with

gentleness, overlookest transgressions, and takest away

unrighteousness; Who art quick to help and slow to anger; Who didst

breathe upon Thy disciples and say, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you

forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them”; Who acceptest the

repentance of sinners and hast power to forgive many and grievous

sins; Who bestowest healing unto all that continue in weakness and

long-enduring sickness; Who hast called me also, Thy humble, sinful,

and unworthy servant, who am entangled in many sins and wallowing

in the sweetness of passions, to the holy and exalted degree of the

Priesthood, and to enter within the veil into the Holy of Holies, where

the Holy Angels desire to penetrate, and to hear the evangelical voice

of the Lord God and behold with my own eyes the countenance of the

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Holy Oblation, and to be enraptured with the divine and sacred

Liturgy; Who hast counted me worthy to minister the sacred service

of Thy most-heavenly Mystery, and to offer unto Thee gifts and

sacrifices for our sins, and for the ignorances of the people, and to

mediate for Thy rational flock, that, through Thy plenteous and

ineffable love for mankind, Thou mayest cleanse their iniquities: Do

Thou Thyself, O Most-good King, attend unto my prayer at this hour,

and on this holy day, and in every time and place, and accept the

voice of my prayer, and grant healing unto Thy servant, N., who is

weak both in soul and body, counting him (her) worthy of remission

of sins and forgiveness of iniquities, both voluntary and involuntary.

Heal his (her) incurable wounds, and every sickness and every

trauma, bestowing upon him (her) spiritual healing. O Thou Who

didst touch the mother-in-law of Peter, and the fever left her, and she

arose and ministered unto Thee: Do Thou Thyself, O Master, bestow

healing on Thy servant, N., and an alleviation of every deadly

suffering, and remember the riches of Thy compassions, and Thy

mercy. Remember that the thoughts of man incline constantly toward

evil from his youth up, and that not even one man is to be found

sinless upon the earth; for Thou alone art without sin, Who didst

come and save the race of men, and didst free us from the slavery of

the enemy. For if Thou shouldest enter into judgment with Thy

servants, there is none that would be found pure from defilement; but

every mouth would be shut, having nothing to answer, for all our

righteousness is as filthy rags before Thee. Therefore, remember not

the sins of our youth. For Thou art the Hope of the hopeless, and the

repose of them that are weary and heavy-laden with transgressions,

and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with Thy Father who is

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without beginning, and Thy Most-holy, Good, and Life-creating

Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Anointing























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The Sixth Anointing




Prokeimenon

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Prokeimenon in the 6th Tone: Have mercy on me, O

God, according to Thy great mercy. (50:3)

Choir: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy.

(50:3)

Reader: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit

within me. (50: 12)

Choir: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy.

Reader: Have mercy on me, O God,

Choir: according to Thy great mercy.

The Epistle

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading from the Epistle of the holy apostle Paul to the

Galatians.


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The Epistle to the Galatians (Pericope 213-Gal. 5:22-6:2):

Reader: Brethren: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-

suffering, goodness, kindness, faith, meekness, temperance:

against such there is no law. And those who are Christ‟s

have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. If we live

in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be

desirous of vainglory, provoking one another, envying one

another. Brethren, if a man fall into any sin, you who are

spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of meekness,

considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear One

another‟s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.





Reader: Blessed is the man that fears the Lord; in His

commandments shall he greatly delight. (J 11:1)


The Gospel





Matthew.


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The Gospel according to Matthew (Pericope 62-Matt. 15:21-28):

Priest 6: At that time Jesus entered into the land of Tyre and Sidon.

And behold, a woman of Canaan from that region came out

and cried unto Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord,

Thou Son of David! My daughter is grievously possessed by

a devil.” But He answered her not a word. And His disciples

drew near and entreated Him, saying, “Send her away, for

she cries after us.” But He answered and said, “I am not sent

but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she

came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” But He

answered and said, “It is not meet to take the children‟s

bread and cast it to dogs.” And she said, “Yea, Lord, yet the

dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters‟ table.”

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, “O woman, great is

thy faith. Be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” And her

daughter was healed from that very hour.


The Litany



Choir: Lord, have mercy. (thrice, after each petition – see the

music on the next page)



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of ages.

Choir: Amen.



The Prayer

Priest 6: We thank Thee, O Lord our God, Thou good Lover of

Mankind and Physician of our souls and bodies, Who painlessly bore

our infirmities, by Whose stripes we have all been healed; Thou Good

Shepherd, Who earnest to seek the wandering sheep; Who givest

consolation unto the fainthearted, and life unto them that are crushed;

Who didst heal the flow of the woman who had an issue of blood

twelve years; Who didst deliver the daughter of the Canaanite woman

from the cruel demon; Who didst forgive the debt of the two debtors,

and gavest forgiveness unto the sinful woman; Who didst bestow

healing upon the Paralytic, with the remission of his sins; Who didst

justify the Publican by Thy word, and didst accept the Thief in his last

confession; Who takes away the sins of the world, and wast nailed to

the Cross. Unto Thee do we pray, and we beseech Thee: Do Thou

Thyself, O God, in Thy goodness loose, remit, and forgive the

transgressions and sins of Thy servant, N., and his (her) iniquities,

whether voluntary or involuntary, whether of knowledge or of

ignorance, whether of excess or of disobedience, whether of the night

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or of the day; or if he (she) be under the ban of a Priest, or of a father

or a mother; if by the glance of the eye, or a movement of the eyelid;

or by the touch of adultery, or the tasting of fornication, or through

whatever impulse of the flesh and of the spirit he (she) has estranged

himself (herself) from Thy will and from Thy holiness. And if we

also have sinned in like manner, do Thou forgive, as the good God

that remembers not evil, and the Lover of Mankind, not leaving him

(her) and us to fall into a dissolute life, neither to walk in the paths of

destruction. Yea, O Master and Lord, hearken unto me, a sinner, at

this hour on behalf of Thy servant, N., and, as the God that

remembers not evil, overlook all his (her) iniquities; free him (her)

from eternal torment; fill his (her) mouth with Thy praise; open his

lips to the glorification of Thy Name; stretch forth his (her) hands to

the performance of Thy commandments; guide his (her) feet in the

path of Thy Gospel, strengthening all his (her) members and thoughts

by Thy grace. For Thou art our God, Who, through Thy holy

Apostles, hast commanded us, saying: “Whatsoever you shall bind on

earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you shall loose on

earth shall be loosed in heaven”; and again, “Whosoever‟s sins you

remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever‟s sins you retain,

they are retained.” And, as Thou didst hearken unto Hezekiah in the

affliction of his soul in the hour of his death, and didst not despise his

prayer, so hearken unto me, Thy humble, sinful, and unworthy

servant at this hour. For Thou, O Lord Jesus Christ, art He that, in

Thy goodness and love for mankind, didst command to forgive even

unto seventy times seven them that fall into sins; and Thou repentest

concerning our evils, and rejoicest over the return of them that have

gone astray. For as is Thy majesty, so also is Thy mercy, and unto

Thee do we send up glory, together with Thy Father Who is without

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beginning, and Thy Most-holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, now

and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Anointing























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The Seventh Anointing




Prokeimenon

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Prokeimenon in the 7th Tone: O Lord, rebuke me not in

Thine anger, neither chasten me in Thy wrath. (6:2)

Choir: O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, neither chasten me in

Thy wrath.

Reader: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak. (6:3)

Choir: O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, neither chasten me in

Thy wrath.

Reader: O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger,

Choir: neither chasten me in Thy wrath.

The Epistle

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading from the First Epistle of the holy apostle Paul

to the Thessalonians.


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The First Epistle to the Thessalonians (Pericope 273-1 Thess. 5:14-

23):

Reader: Brethren: We beseech you, warn them that are unruly,

comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be long-

suffering toward all. See that none render evil for evil unto

any, but ever follow that which is good, both among

yourselves and with all. Rejoice always. Pray without

ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.

Despise not prophecy. But test all things; hold fast to that

which is good. Abstain from every evil thing. And may the

God of peace Himself sanctify you perfectly in everything,

and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved

blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.





Reader: The Lord hear thee in the day of sorrow; the name of the

God of Jacob defend thee. (19:2)


The Gospel




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Matthew.



The Gospel according to Matthew (Pericope 30-Matt. 9:9-13):

Priest 7: At that time, as Jesus was passing by, He saw a man named

Matthew, sitting at the tax office. And He said unto him,

“Follow Me.” And he arose and followed Him. And it came

to pass as Jesus was dining in the house, behold, many

publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His

disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His

disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with publicans and

sinners?” But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them,

“They that be healthy need not a physicians, but they that

are sick. But go and learn what this means: „I will have

mercy, and not sacrifice‟. For I am not come to call the

righteous, but sinners to repentance. “


The Litany






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of ages.

Choir: Amen.



The Prayer

Priest 7: O Master, Lord our God, Physician of souls and bodies,

Who restorest from transitory sufferings, Who healest every infirmity

and every wound among the people, Who desirest that all men be

saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, and Who desirest not

the death of a sinner, but that he should turn back and live; for Thou,

O Lord, in the Old Testament didst appoint repentance unto sinners,

to David, and to the Ninevites, and to them that were before them,

and likewise, at the advent of Thy dispensation in the flesh, Thou

didst not call the righteous but sinners to repentance, Who didst

accept the Publican, the Harlot, the Thief, and the blaspheming

persecutor, the great Paul, through repentance. Thou, through

repentance, didst accept Peter, Thy foremost Apostle, who denied

Thee three times, and didst promise him, saying, “Thou art Peter and

upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades shall

not prevail against it. And I will give thee the keys of the Kingdom of

Heaven”. Therefore, we also, O Good One and the Lover of Mankind,

having boldness according to Thine undeceiving promises, pray unto

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Thee, and supplicate Thee at this hour: Hearken unto our

supplication, and accept it as incense offered unto Thee, and visit Thy

servant, N., and if he (she) has sinned by word, or deed, or intention,

or in the night, or in the day, if he be under the ban of a Priest, or

fallen under his (her) own curse, or be embittered by an oath, and has

cursed himself (herself), we entreat Thee, and we pray unto Thee:

Loose, remit and forgive him (her), O God, overlooking his (her)

transgressions, and the sins which have been committed by him (her),

whether in knowledge or in ignorance. And in whatsoever he (she)

has transgressed Thy commandments, or has sinned, because he (she)

bears flesh and lives in the world, or because of the action of the

devil, do Thou Thyself, as the Good God Who lovest mankind,

forgive; for there is no man that lives and does not sin. For Thou only

art without sin, Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and

Thy word is truth. For Thou didst not create man for destruction, but

for the keeping Of Thy commandments, and for the inheritance of life

incorruptible, and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with the

Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Anointing








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And at the conclusion of this, the sick person who receives the Sacred

Oil, if able, shall go among the Priests; or, supported by others, shall

stand or sit. But if he (she) be unable, the Priests themselves shall

stand around him (her), as he (she) lies on his (her) bed And the First

Priest, taking the Holy Gospel and opening it, shall lay it with the text

down, upon the head of the sick person, the Book being held by all the

Priests. And he that is First does not lay on his hand, but says this

Prayer with a loud voice:

Priest 1: O Holy King, deeply-compassionate and greatly-merciful

Lord Jesus Christ,‟ Son and Word of the Living God, Who desirest

not the death of a sinner, but that he should turn back and live: I lay

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not my sinful hand upon the head of him (her) that comes to Thee in

sins and asks of Thee, through us, for remission of sins, but through

Thy hand, mighty and powerful, which is in this, Thy Holy Gospel

which my fellow ministers hold upon the head of Thy servant, N., and

I pray with them and entreat Thy merciful love for mankind which

remembers not evil, O God, our Savior, Who, through Thy Prophet

Nathan, didst grant remission of his iniquities unto the repentant

David, and didst accept the prayer of repentance of Manasseh. And

do Thou Thyself, in Thy customary love for mankind, accept Thy

servant, N., who repents of his (her) own sins, overlooking his (her)

transgressions. For Thou art our God, Who hast given command to

forgive even seventy time seven them that have fallen into sins. For

as is Thy majesty, so also is Thy mercy, and unto Thee are due all

glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Amen.

And taking the Gospel from the head of the sick person, they present

it to him (her) to kiss. And the Deacon says the Litany:

The Litany








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of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Then the Choir sings the following Troparia:

Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy

Spirit.

Tone 4

Choir: As you have a fountain of healings, O Holy Unmercenaries,

grant healing to all those entreating it, for you have been

counted worthy of gifts truly great from the ever-flowing

fountain of our Savior. For the Lord said unto you as unto

them that are equal in zeal to the Apostles: “Behold, I have

given you power over unclean Spirits, so as to cast them out,

and to heal every sickness and every wound.” Therefore

having lived nobly according to His commandment, freely

you have received, and freely you give, healing the

sufferings of our souls and bodies.


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Tone 4 - Theotokion

Choir: Look down on the supplications of thy servants, O All-

Spotless One, easing the cruel attacks which are against us,

and transforming all our afflictions. For we have thee alone

as a sure and faithful confirmation, and have acquired thy

mediation, that we who are calling upon thee shall not be put

to shame, O Sovreign Lady. Make haste to the supplications

of them that cry out to thee in faith: Rejoice, O Sovreign

Lady, thou Help of all, the Joy and Shelter and Salvation of

our souls.

And the Dismissal:


Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Lord have

mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Father, bless.

Priest: May Christ our true God, through the prayers of His Most-

pure Mother; by the power of the honorable and life-giving

Cross; of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostle James,

the first Bishop of Jerusalem and Brother of God; and of all

the Saints; save us and have mercy on us, forasmuch as He

is good and the Lover of Mankind.

Choir: Amen.

And he (she) that receives the Oil with Prayer makes a reverence,

saying:

Bless me, Holy Fathers, and forgive me a sinner. (thrice)

And, having received their blessing and forgiveness, he (she) departs,

giving thanks unto God.

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Appendix

An Abbreviated Rite of Anointing1

A small table is prepared, and on it is placed a bowl of wheat and a

Gospel Book. An empty vigil lamp is set on the wheat, and a cotton

swab for anointing is stuck into the wheat surrounding the lamp. Two

containers, one with olive oil, the other with water (or red wine), are

also placed next to it. The presbyter stands before the table, vested in

his epitrachilion and phelonion and holding a candle. The priest

incenses three times around the table, then the entire church or

house, and the people. Then he stands before the table, facing east,

and begins, saying:

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto ages

of ages.

Reader: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have

mercy on us (3).



O most holy Trinity Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord,

cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our

transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for

your name‟s sake.

Lord, have mercy (3).

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy

kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in

heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us

1 This abbreviated rite is intended for emergency use in a hospital, or at home. It is based on a typical adaptation

found in a 14-15th

-century Slavic manuscript (Moscow Theological Academy no. 85, ff 242-49), described by A.

Golubtsov, “42 (1888): 118.

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our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into


Priest: For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the

Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto

ages of ages.

Then the troparia are sung:

Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. For we sinners, void of

all defense, offer to thee, as to our Master, this petition: Have mercy

on us.

Glory...

Have mercy on us, O Lord, for in thee have we trusted, and do not be

very angry with us, nor remember our iniquities. But look down even

now on us, for thou art of tender compassion, and deliver us from our

enemies. For thou art our God, and we are thy people. We are all the

work of thy hand, and we call on your name.

Now and ever...

Open to us the door of your loving-kindness, O blessed Theotokos.

Because we have set our hope on thee, may we not fail, but through

thee may we be delivered from all adversities: for thou art the

salvation of all Christians.

Then the deacon, or the principal priest, recites the following litany:

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Litany

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the peace from above, and for the salvation of our

souls, let us pray to the Lord.


Deacon: For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith,

reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.


Deacon: That he will bless this oil through the power, operation,

and descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.


Deacon: For the servant of God [name], that God may visit

him(her), and that the grace of the Holy Spirit may come upon

him(her), let us pray to the Lord.


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Deacon: That he will deliver him(her) and us from all affliction,

wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.


Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God,

by thy grace.


Deacon: Remembering our most holy, pure, most blessed and

glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the

saints, let us commit ourselves, and one another, and our whole life,

to Christ our God.

People: To thee, O Lord.

Then the priest recites the “Prayer of the Oil” over the vigil lamp,

into which he pours some oil

Prayer of the Oil

O Lord, in thy mercy and compassion, thou healest the afflictions of

our souls and bodies: sanctify now this oil, O Master, that it may

bring healing to those who are anointed with it, relief from every

passion, from every sickness of flesh and spirit, and from all evil; and

so that thy holy name may be glorified, of the Father, and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

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Prokeimenon

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Priest: Peace be to all.


Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Prokeimenon in the first tone.

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope on you.

(Ps 33[32]:22)

verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.

(Ps 33[32]:1)

Epistle (James 5:10-16)

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The reading is from the general epistle of St James.


Reader: Brethren, as an example of suffering and patience, take the

prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we call those

happy who were steadfast. Thou hast heard of the steadfastness of

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Job, and thou hast seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is

compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brethren, do not

swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let thy

yes be yes and thy no be no, that thou mayest not fall under

condemnation.

Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let

him sing praise. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of

the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the

name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and

the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be

forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one

another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has

great power in its effects.

Priest: Peace be to thee.

Reader: And to thy spirit. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (tone 8)

People: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Reader: I will sing of loyalty and of justice; to thee O Lord, I will

sing. (Ps 101[100]:1)

People: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Jn 5:2-24)

Deacon: Wisdom. Attend. Let us listen to the holy gospel.

Priest: Peace be to all.

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People: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The reading is from the holy gospel according to Saint

John.

People: Glory to thee, O Lord, glory to thee.


Priest: Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in

Hebrew called Bethesda, which has five porticoes. In these lay a

multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed. One man was there,

who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and

knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, “Dost

thou want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no

man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I

am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise,

take up thy pallet, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he

took up his pallet and walked.

Now that day was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was

cured, “It is the Sabbath, it is not lawful for thee to carry thy pallet.”

But he answered them, “The man who healed me said to me, “Take

up thy pallet, and walk.” They asked him, “Who is the man who said

to you, „Take up your pallet, and walk‟?” Now the man who had been

healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there

was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple,

and said to him, “See, thou art well! Sin no more, that nothing worse

befall thee.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus

who had healed him. And this was why the Jews persecuted Jesus,

because he did this on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, “My

Father is working still, and I am working.” This was why the Jews

sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath

but also called God his Father, making himself equal with God.

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Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to thee, the Son can do nothing

of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for

whatever he does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the

Son, and shows him all that he himself is doing; and greater works

than these will he show him, that you may marvel. For as the Father

raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom

he will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the

Son, that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He

who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

Truly truly, I say to thee, he who hears my word and believes him

who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but

has passed from death to life.”

People: Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

Anointing

O holy Father, physician of souls and bodies, who sent thine only-

begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who heals every infirmity and

delivers from death: heal also thy servant (name) from the infirmities

of body and soul which afflict him(her) and enliven him(her) with the

grace of thy Christ; through the prayers of our most-holy Lady, the

Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary; through the intercessions of the

honorable, bodiless powers of Heaven, through the power of the

precious and life-giving Cross; through the protection of the

honorable, glorious prophet, forerunner, and baptist, John; of the

holy, glorious, and most-blessed apostles; of the holy, glorious,

victorious martyrs; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers; of the

holy unmercenary physicians, Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus and John,

Panteleimon and Hermolaus, Sampson and Diomedes, Photius and

Anicetas; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and

Anna; and of all the saints.

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For thou art the fountain of healing, O our God, and to thee we give

glory, to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever,

and unto ages of ages. Amen.

After the prayer, the priest takes one of the cotton swabs, dips it into

the holy oil, and anoints the sick person, crosswise, on the brows, the

nostrils, the cheeks, the lips, the breast, and on both sides of the

hands. As he anoints the sick person, he recites the following prayer:

O good God who loves mankind, compassionate and greatly merciful,

abundant in mercy and rich in goodness, Father of mercies and God

of all consolation, who through the apostles have given us power to

heal the infirmities of your people through oil and prayer: make this

oil to be for the healing of those who are anointed with it, for relief

from every disease and all sickness, for deliverance from evil of those

who in hope await salvation from thee. Yea, O Master, Lord, our God

almighty, we entreat thee to save us all. O only Physician of our souls

and bodies, sanctify us all. Thou healest every disease, heal also your

servant (name): raise him(her) up from the bed of sickness, through

the mercies of your kindness; visit him(her) with your mercy and

compassion; remove from him(her) every illness and infirmity; so

that, having been raised up by thy mighty hand, he(she) may serve

thee with all thanksgiving; and that we too, who now share in thine

ineffable love for mankind, may hymn and glorify thee, for thou

performest great and wondrous deeds, extraordinary and glorious.

For thou art merciful and save us, O God, our God, and to thee we

ascribe glory, together with thine only-begotten Son and thine all-

holy, good, and life-giving Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of

ages.

People: Amen.

Then the deacon recites the litany:

Service of Holy Oil

Litany

Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in your great loving-kindness:

we pray thee, hear us, and have mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy (3).

Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation,

and remission of sins of the servant of God [name].


Deacon: That he(she) may be pardoned every transgression, let us

pray to the Lord.


Priest: For thou art a merciful God who loves mankind, and to

thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy

Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Dismissal

Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy (3). Father bless.

Service of Holy Oil

Priest: May Christ our true God, through the prayers of his most-

pure Mother, through the power of the precious and life-giving Cross,

of the holy, glorious, praiseworthy Apostle James, the first bishop of

Jerusalem and brother of God, and of all the saints, save us and have

mercy on us, for he is good and loves mankind.

People: Amen.

the service of holy oil (anointing) · service of holy oil page 2 priest 1: blessed is our god,...

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